Fence ideas for the backyard, and how each is built

1. Board-on-board privacy fence

Overlapping boards on alternating sides of the rails leave no gaps even as the wood shrinks. HomeGnome lists it among its privacy styles.

Works best where full screening is the goal.

In the scope: board and post species and grade, post depth and footing, fastener type, overlap width, stain or sealer and when it is applied (see fence staining and sealing).

2. Horizontal slat fence

Boards run sideways with even gaps or tight joints. Best Buy’s guide notes horizontal boards can make a narrow yard look wider.

Horizontal boards span between posts and can sag over long spans, so post spacing is usually tighter or a centre support is added.

In the scope: post spacing, board thickness, gap width, any mid-span support.

3. Shadowbox fence

Boards alternate on each side of the rail with a gap, so the fence looks finished from both sides and lets wind through. A good choice where the neighbour sees the back.

In the scope: board spacing, which side faces out, rail count.

4. Privacy fence with lattice top

Solid boards with a lattice band at the top. The lattice adds height that reads lighter and suits climbers.

Check whether your height limit counts the lattice.

In the scope: total height including lattice, lattice material and frame.

5. Stained or painted fence

Several ranking pages suggest colour. A dark stain recedes and makes planting stand out. A dark stain suits small yards.

In the scope: product, colour, number of coats, and whether new wood is left to dry before staining.

6. Vinyl privacy panels

Hollow PVC panels that need washing rather than staining.

Works best where you want privacy without a stain schedule. Posts are often reinforced or set in concrete; ask.

In the scope: panel profile, post reinforcement, warranty terms in writing.

7. Aluminum or steel picket

Open metal pickets keep views and suit pool enclosures, which in many places must meet barrier rules on height, gaps and self-closing gates. Ask your building department for the local pool barrier rule before ordering.

In the scope: height, picket spacing, gate self-closing and self-latching hardware if a pool is involved.

8. Composite boards

Wood-plastic boards that resist rot. Best Buy lists composite for low maintenance. Composite suits damp yards where wood boards would rot or warp within a few years.

In the scope: product line, post system (composite boards often need metal posts), colour.

9. Metal frame with wood infill

Steel posts with wood or composite boards between them. Steel posts avoid ground-line rot. Metal frames suit yards with wet or termite-prone soil where wood posts fail at the ground line.

In the scope: post gauge and coating, footing, board attachment.

10. Post-and-rail fence

Two or three rails on square posts. Southern Living, syndicated on AOL, describes the estate version for open views.

Works best on larger lots. Add welded wire on the inside for dogs.

In the scope: rail count, post spacing, wire mesh if any.

11. Living fence

A hedge planted as a boundary. HomeGnome and Best Buy both list arborvitae, boxwood and similar; they need regular pruning. See privacy screening.

In the scope: species, planted height, spacing, watering through establishment, and plant warranty (see plant warranties).

12. Trellis panels with vines

A short run of trellis with climbers screens one sightline, such as a hot tub, without fencing the whole yard. HomeGnome suggests it as a cheaper privacy screen.

In the scope: panel posts and footings, plant list.

13. Stockade fence

Rounded or pointed boards butted tight give a rustic privacy fence that suits informal yards. Stockade suits rural and wooded lots where a rough, traditional look fits better than sawn boards. Build note: expect gaps as boards shrink; specify post depth and footing.

14. Dog-ear picket privacy fence

Boards with clipped corners give a familiar, simple privacy fence. Dog-ear fences suit suburban backyards where full privacy is wanted at a moderate cost, in HyreYard’s judgment. The clipped tops shed water better than square-cut boards. Build note: specify board grade and fastener type.

15. Cedar split-rail fence

Split rails fitted into mortised posts mark a rural boundary. Split rail suits large rural lots and horse properties where the goal is marking a line, not blocking views. Rails lift out for repair without tools. Build note: set posts deep and add mesh if pets need containing.

16. Scalloped picket fence

Pickets cut in a gentle curve between posts suit cottage gardens. Scalloped pickets suit cottage-style front and back gardens where a soft, decorative edge matters more than privacy. Painted white, they need repainting every few years. Build note: agree picket spacing and paint system.

17. Lattice panel fence

Full-height lattice panels let light and air through and carry climbers. Lattice suits gardens where a solid fence would shade beds or block breezes. Thin lattice strips break more easily than boards, so frame them well. Build note: frame the lattice in solid timber and set posts on footings.

18. Board and batten fence

Wide boards with narrow battens over the joints give a solid, barn-style look. Board and batten suits farmhouse and barn-style homes, and gives full privacy. The battens cover gaps as boards shrink across the seasons. Build note: specify batten fixing so boards can move.

19. Louvred fence

Angled boards block direct views while letting air through. Louvred fences suit yards on windy sites or with neighbours’ windows above, where privacy is wanted without a solid wall that catches every gust. Angled boards also let breezes through on hot days. Build note: frame louvres rigidly to stop twisting.

20. Basket-weave fence

Thin boards woven between posts give a textured screen. Basket weave suits gardens wanting a softer, textured look than flat boards. The woven pattern looks finished from both sides, which suits a shared boundary. Build note: use flexible boards and tight post spacing.

21. Charred timber fence

Wood surface-charred in the shou sugi ban style gives a dark, textured finish. Charred timber suits modern houses and owners who want a dark, durable surface on softwood. Build note: ask how the char is sealed and maintained.

22. Mixed-width board fence

Boards of varied widths in a random rhythm give a modern look. Mixed widths suit contemporary yards where a uniform fence looks too plain. Plan the pattern so it repeats evenly between posts. Build note: plan the pattern on paper before cutting.

23. Cap-and-trim privacy fence

A top cap and trim board on a privacy fence protect end grain and finish the look. A cap and trim suit wood privacy fences in wet climates, where rain soaks into end grain. Build note: slope the cap to shed water.

24. Horizontal aluminium slat fence

Powder-coated aluminium slats give a modern horizontal look without staining. Aluminium slats suit modern houses and coastal yards where wood would need constant staining. The metal does not rot, and powder coating resists corrosion. Build note: specify slat profile, spacing and post anchoring.

25. Corten steel panel fence

Weathering steel panels develop a rust patina for a modern garden. Corten suits contemporary gardens and owners who like a rusted, sculptural finish that develops over months. It suits dry climates best; constant wet slows the protective patina. Build note: keep runoff from staining paving below.

26. Perforated metal screen

Laser-cut metal panels make a decorative screen with partial privacy. Perforated screens suit patios and side yards where some privacy and a decorative pattern are wanted. Solid panels catch wind, so posts must be sized for it. Build note: size posts and footings for wind load on solid panels.

27. Concrete block fence wall

A rendered block wall gives a solid, quiet boundary. A block wall suits busy streets and noisy neighbours, where it blocks sound far better than a timber fence. Rendering hides the blocks and gives a smooth finish. Build note: needs footings and often a permit; check height rules.

28. Glass panel fence

Toughened glass panels keep views open around a pool or deck. Glass panels suit yards with a view worth keeping, such as water, hills or a pool. Fingerprints and hard-water spots need regular cleaning. Build note: use rated safety glass and fixings.

29. Gabion fence wall

Stone-filled wire baskets make a thick, textured boundary. Gabion walls suit modern gardens and sloping sites where a thick, free-draining barrier is wanted. Filling them with local stone keeps the look regional. Build note: set baskets on a level compacted base.

30. Slatted fence with planter base

A slatted screen rising from a built-in planter combines fence and bed. A planter-base fence suits small yards where planting space is tight against the boundary. Build note: line the planter and keep soil off the slats.

31. Black-stained vertical fence

Narrow vertical boards stained black recede behind planting. A black-stained fence suits gardens with bright planting, where a dark backdrop makes flowers and foliage stand out. Dark colours also hide dirt and weathering better than pale ones, but absorb more heat. Build note: specify stain type and coats.

32. Mixed-material fence

Steel posts with timber infill combine rot resistance and warmth. Mixed-material fences suit owners who want a warm timber face with rot-resistant posts. Steel posts also make board replacement easier later. Build note: specify post coating and board fixing.

33. Floating panel fence

Panels set between posts with a gap below suit sloping ground. Floating panels suit sloping yards and modern designs where a clean gap below looks intentional. Build note: agree the gap height if pets need containing.

34. Bamboo panel fence

Bamboo rolls or panels fixed to a frame give an Asian-inspired screen. Bamboo suits Asian-inspired gardens and quick screening over an existing chain-link fence. It weathers to grey and lasts fewer years than timber. Build note: attach to a timber frame, not directly to posts alone.

35. Welded wire on post-and-rail

Wire mesh fixed inside a rail fence keeps dogs in while keeping views. Wire on rails suits rural lots with dogs, where views and the rail look matter. Build note: bury or apron the bottom edge for diggers.

36. Dig-proof fence footing

A buried wire apron or concrete strip under a fence stops digging dogs. A dig-proof footing suits dogs that tunnel under fences, especially terriers and huskies. An L-shaped wire apron laid outward under soil stops digging at the edge. Build note: call 811 before trenching.

37. Coyote rollers on top

Rolling bars along the top stop climbing animals getting over. Rollers suit yards where dogs climb or jump fences, or where coyotes are a concern. The bars spin when grabbed, so animals cannot get a grip to pull themselves over the top. Build note: fix to sturdy posts.

38. Pet window in a privacy fence

A small clear window lets a dog see out and bark less at noise. A pet window suits curious dogs that bark at sounds beyond a solid fence. Seeing out can calm some dogs, though it suits only some temperaments. Build note: frame the opening securely.

39. Chain-link with privacy slats

Slats woven into chain link add screening to a tough pet fence. Slatted chain link suits yards with an existing chain-link fence that needs privacy without replacement. Build note: check wind load with slats added.

40. Low picket for small dogs

A low picket fence with close spacing keeps small dogs in. A low picket suits small breeds that cannot jump high, in front or back yards. Close spacing stops them squeezing between pickets. Build note: set picket gaps to suit the dog.

41. Double-gate entry

Two gates with a small enclosure between stop dogs slipping out. A double gate suits households with escape-prone dogs and frequent visitors or deliveries. The second gate catches a dog that slips through the first. Build note: fit self-closing hinges on both gates.

42. Cat fence extension

Angled mesh extensions on top of a fence keep cats in. Cat extensions suit owners who want cats outdoors without roaming. Angled mesh on top of an existing fence stops climbing over. Check HOA rules first. Build note: fix brackets to posts securely.

43. Dog run fence

A dedicated run with its own fence protects the rest of the yard. A dog run suits yards where one area can be given over to a dog, keeping the rest of the lawn intact. Build note: use a washable surface inside.

44. Hog wire fence

Rigid welded panels in timber frames give a farm-style, see-through fence. Hog wire suits farmhouse styles and gardens where a see-through fence must still keep dogs in. Build note: set frames on footings and specify panel gauge.

45. Invisible-edge hedge with mesh

Mesh hidden inside a young hedge contains pets while the hedge grows. Hidden mesh suits owners who want a living boundary that contains pets while the hedge fills in over a few years. Build note: set the mesh on posts within the hedge line.

46. Aluminium pool fence with self-latching gate

An aluminium enclosure with a self-closing gate meets many pool barrier rules. Aluminium pool fences suit backyards with in-ground pools, keeping views open while meeting barrier rules. Aluminium does not rust in wet poolside conditions. Build note: confirm local height, gap and latch rules first.

47. Mesh removable pool fence

Tensioned mesh on removable posts fences a pool and lifts out when needed. Removable mesh suits families with young children who want a pool barrier they can take down for parties or off-season. Build note: check it meets local barrier rules.

48. Glass pool barrier

Frameless glass keeps pool views open. Glass barriers suit pools with a view to keep and owners willing to clean glass regularly. Local codes still set height and gate rules for glass enclosures. Build note: use rated glass and fixings; check the local code.

49. Vertical-bar steel fence

Steel bars with narrow gaps give a secure, non-climbable fence. Vertical bars suit pools and security fences where climbing must be prevented. Build note: avoid horizontal rails on the outside that act as a ladder.

50. Gate alarm and latch upgrade

Upgrading an existing gate with a high latch and alarm improves pool safety. A latch and alarm upgrade suits existing pool fences where the gate is the weak point. Alarms sound if the gate is left open. Build note: follow local pool barrier rules.

51. Hot tub screen fence

A short privacy screen around a hot tub adds privacy. A hot tub screen suits tubs visible from neighbours’ windows or the street. A short run of fencing gives privacy without enclosing the whole yard, and can carry a climber. Build note: set posts on footings.

52. Fence around a pond

A low fence around a garden pond protects small children. A pond fence suits households with toddlers or visiting children, since even shallow water is a drowning risk. A low, self-closing gate keeps adults’ access easy while children stay out. Build note: make gates self-closing.

53. Security fence with spear tops

Ornamental steel with spear tops deters climbing. Spear tops suit security fences on boundaries where intruders are a concern. Many towns restrict pointed tops on front fences or near sidewalks, so check local rules before ordering. Build note: check local rules on spiked tops.

54. Lockable side gate

A lockable gate across a side passage secures the backyard. A lockable side gate suits side passages that give easy access to the backyard. Steel or heavy timber frames resist forcing. Build note: use a heavy-duty frame and hinges.

55. Motion-lit fence line

Low-voltage lights along a fence line add security. Motion lights suit long fence lines and dark side yards where security matters. Shielded fixtures aimed down avoid lighting neighbours’ windows, which DarkSky’s principles recommend. Build note: any new outlet is electrician work.

56. Driveway gate

A swing or slide gate across a drive closes the yard. A driveway gate suits homes with pets or children near a busy street, or properties wanting a secure frontage. Build note: automated gates involve electrical work and safety sensors.

57. White picket front fence

A classic picket fence defines a front yard without blocking views. A white picket fence suits traditional houses where a front yard needs definition without hiding the house. Keep pickets painted to stop rot. Build note: keep to front-yard height limits.

58. Low stone wall boundary

A dry-laid stone wall marks a boundary with no rot. A low stone wall suits rural and older properties where local stone is plentiful. It needs no painting and lasts for decades if well built. Build note: build on a compacted base.

59. Wrought iron front fence

Ornamental iron suits period houses. Wrought iron suits period houses and formal fronts where an ornate, see-through boundary is wanted. Regular repainting keeps rust in check. Build note: set posts in concrete footings and paint for rust protection.

60. Brick pier and rail fence

Brick piers with timber or metal rails between them give a solid front boundary. Brick piers suit traditional homes and larger fronts, where solid masonry anchors a long fence. Build note: piers need footings below frost depth.

61. Hedge-backed low fence

A low fence with a hedge behind it softens a boundary. A hedge-backed fence suits fronts where a fence alone looks stark and a hedge alone takes years to fill. The fence gives an instant edge while the hedge grows. Build note: leave room to trim behind the fence.

62. Split-rail corner accent

A short split-rail run at a corner frames planting. A split-rail accent suits corner beds and driveway entrances that need definition without a full fence. Two or three posts frame planting and stop corner-cutting. Build note: set posts on gravel for drainage.

63. Boundary fence with neighbour

A shared good-neighbour fence looks finished on both sides. A good-neighbour fence suits shared boundaries where both households see the fence. Agreeing in writing on line, style and costs avoids disputes later. Build note: agree costs and line location in writing.

64. Living willow fence

Woven living willow forms a green boundary. Living willow suits damp, rural or wildlife gardens where a natural boundary is wanted. Rods planted in winter root quickly and can be woven into patterns as they grow. Build note: keep it away from drains.

65. Ranch rail fence

Painted board rails suit large rural lots. Ranch rail suits large rural lots and farm-style homes where a long boundary must be marked cleanly. Painted boards need repainting every few years to stay smart. Build note: specify rail fixing and paint.

66. Fence with mailbox niche

A front fence with a built-in mailbox niche. A mailbox niche suits front fences near the street, combining two structures. Postal rules set the height and distance from the kerb for mailboxes. Build note: check postal rules for mailbox placement.

67. Wattle hurdle fence

Woven hazel or willow hurdles give a rustic garden boundary. Wattle hurdles suit cottage and vegetable gardens wanting a rustic, natural screen. Hurdles also filter wind well. Build note: stake firmly and expect a shorter life than sawn timber.

68. Arbor gate

An arbor over a gate makes a planted entrance. An arbor gate suits garden entrances where climbing roses or clematis can frame the way in. It turns a plain gate into a focal point. Build note: set arbor posts on footings.

69. Moon gate

A circular opening in a fence or wall frames a view. A moon gate suits Asian-inspired or formal gardens where a framed view through the boundary is wanted. The circular opening needs skilled framing to stay true. Build note: frame the circle rigidly.

70. Double drive-through garden gate

Wide double gates allow mowers or machines through. Double gates suit backyards that must take mowers, trailers or machinery for future projects. Wide openings need a drop rod to hold the inactive leaf. Build note: add a centre drop rod and bracing.

71. Sliding fence gate

A sliding gate suits tight spaces where a swing gate will not fit. A sliding gate suits driveways and side yards too narrow for a swing gate to open fully. Build note: needs a level track and guides.

72. Gate with diagonal brace

A diagonal brace from the bottom hinge corner stops sagging. A braced gate suits any wide timber gate, which will sag without support. The brace must run from the bottom hinge up to the latch side, not the other way. Build note: specify brace direction and hinge rating.

73. Fence with built-in bench

A bench fixed between fence posts gives seating. A built-in bench suits small yards where seating along the boundary saves floor space. Fixing it to posts keeps the load off fence boards, which are not built to carry weight. Build note: fix to posts, not boards.

74. Fence-mounted planter shelf

Shelves on a fence hold pots at eye level. Planter shelves suit narrow side yards and small patios where floor space is tight. Shelves on a sunny fence grow herbs and annuals at eye level. Build note: mount to posts or rails securely.

75. Fence with peekaboo window

An opening in a privacy fence frames a garden view. A peekaboo window suits privacy fences that hide a garden view or a neighbour’s attractive yard. Build note: frame the opening to keep the panel rigid.

76. Fence lighting caps

Solar or low-voltage post caps light the fence line. Post-cap lights suit long fence lines where a subtle glow marks the boundary at night. Solar caps need full sun to charge, so they work poorly on shaded fences, where low-voltage wiring does better. Build note: choose shielded fixtures.

77. Kickboard base

A replaceable board at the bottom protects pickets from ground contact. A kickboard suits wood fences in damp soil, where boards touching the ground rot first. Build note: use ground-contact rated timber for the kickboard.

78. Gate with self-closing hinges

Spring hinges keep gates shut automatically. Self-closing hinges suit gates used by children, pets or delivery drivers who forget to close them. They are essential on pool gates in many areas, and easy to retrofit on existing gates with sound posts. Build note: adjust tension after installation.

79. Racked fence on a slope

Panels that follow the ground keep the bottom close to grade. A racked fence suits gentle, steady slopes where panels can follow the grade without gaps underneath. Build note: use racking panels or individually set boards.

80. Stepped fence on a slope

Level panels stepping down each post suit steep grades. A stepped fence suits steep slopes where racking panels cannot follow the grade. Each panel stays level for a tidy look. Build note: plan how gaps under panels will be closed.

81. Windbreak fence

A semi-open fence slows wind more evenly than a solid one. A windbreak fence suits exposed yards on hills or plains where wind makes the patio unusable. A semi-open design slows wind without creating turbulence behind it. Build note: size posts for wind.

82. Snow fence

A slatted fence placed upwind traps drifts before they reach a drive. A snow fence suits rural lots with drifting snow across driveways. Remove it in spring to restore views. Build note: site it with distance from the area to protect.

83. Coastal vinyl fence

Vinyl resists salt air better than untreated wood. Vinyl suits coastal yards where salt air corrodes metal and weathers timber fast. It needs only washing, though very cold snaps can make it brittle. Build note: use stainless or coated hardware.

84. Termite-resistant fence

Steel posts or treated timber reduce termite risk in warm regions. Termite-resistant posts suit warm southern regions where termites attack wood in ground contact. Steel posts or properly treated timber rated for ground contact last much longer. Build note: specify treatment rating.

85. Fire-resistant fence near the house

A metal or masonry fence section near the house fits defensible-space guidance in fire-prone areas. A fire-resistant section suits fire-prone regions where wood fences connected to the house can carry flames. Build note: see our defensible space rules study.

86. Fence on expansive soil

Deeper footings help posts in clay that swells. Deeper footings suit regions with expansive clay soils that swell and shrink, heaving posts out of line. Gravel at the base of each hole also helps drainage around the post. Build note: ask about footing depth and drainage.

87. Fence over a drainage path

A fence with a raised bottom lets surface water pass. A raised-bottom fence suits yards where surface water flows across the boundary in storms. A gap below lets water pass without damming it against the fence or a neighbour. Build note: do not dam water against a neighbour.

88. Fence on rocky ground

Posts set in drilled rock or on surface brackets suit shallow bedrock. Rock-ground methods suit hillside and mountain lots where bedrock sits close to the surface. Build note: agree a method and charge basis for rock in advance.

89. Fence around a vegetable garden

A taller fence with buried mesh keeps deer and rabbits out. A vegetable fence suits gardens near woods or fields where deer and rabbits raid crops. Taller fencing keeps deer out, and buried mesh stops burrowing. Build note: check local height rules for deer fencing.

90. Espalier fence

Fruit trees trained flat along wires on a fence give a living, productive screen. Espalier suits sunny fences in small yards where a freestanding fruit tree would shade the whole space. Build note: install wires on brackets and prune annually.

91. Fence with climbing roses

Climbing roses on wires along a fence add flowers. Climbing roses suit sunny fences with good air movement, which limits leaf disease. They flower through summer and soften plain boards. Build note: fix wires to posts and choose a disease-resistant rose.

92. Evergreen vine fence

An evergreen climber covers a chain-link fence for year-round screening. Evergreen vines suit chain-link fences that need year-round screening. Star jasmine suits mild climates; check hardiness and invasive lists for your region. Build note: choose a non-invasive vine for your region.

93. Fence with planted base border

A narrow border along a fence softens it. A base border suits plain fences that need softening and narrow yards with only a strip of soil. Build note: leave a gap so plants do not keep the boards wet.

94. Hops on a fence

Fast-growing hops cover a sunny fence each summer. Hops suit sunny fences where fast seasonal cover is wanted. They grow quickly each summer from a perennial root and die back in winter, so they give screening only part of the year. Build note: cut back each winter.

95. Fence with vertical planters

Pocket planters fixed to a fence grow herbs. Vertical planters suit small yards and patios where herbs or flowers are wanted with no ground space. Pockets dry out fast in sun, so a drip line helps. Build note: add a drip line and protect boards from moisture.

96. Fedge (fence-hedge hybrid)

A fence of woven living plants grows into a screen. A fedge suits wildlife gardens and rural boundaries where a living screen is wanted at low cost. Build note: keep it trimmed and away from structures.

97. Bamboo screen behind a fence

Clumping bamboo behind a short fence adds height. Bamboo behind a fence suits yards where more height is wanted than local fence rules allow. Clumping types stay put; running types spread under fences. Build note: use only clumping types, with a root barrier if needed.

98. Fence with flowering shrubs in front

Shrubs planted in front hide a plain fence. Flowering shrubs in front suit plain fences that look stark. A layered border of shrubs such as hydrangea or viburnum softens the boundary and gives seasonal colour while the fence does the screening. Build note: space for mature width.

99. Clematis on fence wires

Clematis trained on wires adds flowers to a fence face. Clematis suits sunny fences where a flowering climber is wanted without the weight of a rose. It likes cool roots, so shade the base with low plants. Build note: give roots shade and tops sun.

100. Fence with grape vines

A sunny fence carrying grapes gives fruit and screening. Grapes suit sunny fences in regions with warm summers. A fence carrying grapes gives fruit, screening in summer and light in winter once the leaves drop. Build note: prune in the dormant season.